Lake Michigan College stages 'Antigonick' adapted from Sophocles 'Antigone'

BENTON HARBOR — Lake Michigan College’s visual and performing arts department presents “Antigonick” from Nov. 17 to 20 at The Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave.

Adapted from Sophocles’ “Antigone” by Anne Carson, the play begins in the wake of a decree from King Kreon forbidding the burial of Polynikes, the son of Oedipus, after his death in a bloody civil war that has torn Thebes apart.

When Antigone, Polynikes’ sister, defies the edict and puts her brother to rest, all of Thebes witnesses the brutality of the law as it tears the royal family apart and undoes the hard-won peace Kreon sought to protect.

Carson’s adaptation breaks the play open, breaks down the fourth wall, and revels in its messiness and complications.

“Antigonick,” which began its life as essentially a comic book adaptation of the play, combines a lean, focused translation faithful to Sophocles’ original text with a playful self-awareness that explores the play’s legacy.

The play contains descriptions of violence and some gore. Parental guidance is advised.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 to 19 and 3 p.m. Nov. 20.

Tickets are $18-$12; free for students.

For more information, call 269-927-8700 or visit themendelcenter.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Lake Michigan College stages ‘Antigonick’